June Member Spotlight: Mateo Guzman

Mateo Guzman was born in Mexico City in 1964, and raised in Celaya, Guanajuato. Mateo comes from a big family that has been supporting him with his music since the age of 8 years old. His first experience singing was as a member of a choir and his continuous participation at school festivals. He was also the director of the school choir at the age of 10 years old. He was the director for five years and left at the age of 15 years old because he would travel a lot to sing in front of big audiences. He still remembers when he would sing with his grandma at the age of 8 years old and would be playing the guitar.

How did he become well known for his music?

At the age of 8 years old Mateo completed his first composition “Carino”. In 1994, at the Festival de la cancion Latinoamerica de California, he won first and second place awards for his songs “Si contigo” and “Hoy Corazon”. After winning his second place award at Festival OTI, Mateo continues his career as a composer and singer. Mateo has been the lead opener for many concerts at 5 star hotels at the age of 21 years old and would travel around Mexico by himself to get the opportunity to sing. Mateo joined a group of musicans for four years 2010-2014 named ” Trio Nuevo Amaneser”.

Who inspired you to become a singer and composer?

Mateo says, “My grandma was a very strong inspiration for me to become a singer. When growing up she would always be singing while doing house chores and was also a singer. One of his first songs he sang with his grandma was “Espinita de nopal.” Mateo accomplished to compose 90 songs at the age of 9 years old. All his songs varied from tropical rock, romantic, joyful, and songs for young people.

Why do you choose to sing and compose music as a career?

Mateo says, “ I just love it and really enjoy playing music for other to enjoy as well, it feels great to be able to touch people by my music and change the way they are feeling whether they are not enjoying their day and are sad he is able to touch their moods and make them feel better with just one song”.

Do you still play at any events?

Yes, I am very involved and like to sing as much as I can. Mateo is still presented at many resaurants like Casa del Mar, Mariscos El Patron, La Hacienda, and El Farolito.

New projects he has going on

Mateo has two themes that he will be promoting, which are cumbia nortenas and balada pop. As he will be making a video clip for his two themes in order to promote this future goal of his. He will still participate in the next Miss senorita wine country this year and will sing duet with La Voz de Grupo Venus. Mateo has came out in a couple movies playing the role of a preist with the producer of Emilio Montiel. One of the movies he was in was Escape Sangrieto.

Do you have any last words?

Mateo says, “Thank you very much to every one that has supported him around Sonoma County and businesses.”

Mateo has participated in many events with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County and has been a great support to them as well.